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{{Short description|1957 British film by Charlie Chaplin}}
{{for|the 1990 film|King of New York}}
{{for|the 1990 film|King of New York}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}}
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| studio = Attica Film Company
| studio = Attica Film Company
| distributor = Archway Film Distributors (UK)<br>Classic Entertainment (US)
| distributor = Archway Film Distributors (UK)<br>Classic Entertainment (US)
| released = 12 September 1957 (UK)<br>8 March 1972 (US)
| released = {{Film date|1957|09|12|UK|1972|03|8|US|df=y}}
| runtime = {{Plainlist|
| runtime = {{Plainlist|
* 120+ minutes (1957 UK première version)
* 120+ minutes (1957 UK première version)
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}}
}}


'''''A King in New York''''' is a 1957 [[United Kingdom|British]] [[comedy film]] directed by and starring [[Charlie Chaplin]] in his last leading role, which co-stars, among others, his young son [[Michael Chaplin (actor)|Michael]]. The film presents a [[satire|satirical]] view of the [[McCarthy era|McCarthy communist-hunt era]] and certain other aspects of [[United States]] politics and society. The film, which was produced in Europe after Chaplin's exile from the U.S. in 1952, did not open in the United States until 1972. For this reason, the movie was presented on the island of [[Ischia]], in [[Italy]].
'''''A King in New York''''' is a 1957 [[United Kingdom|British]] [[comedy film]] directed by and starring [[Charlie Chaplin]] in his last leading role. The film presents a [[satire|satirical]] view of certain aspects of American politics and society. It was produced in Europe after Chaplin's exile from the U.S. in 1952 and did not open in the United States until 1972.


==Plot==
==Plot==
"One of the minor annoyances in modern life is a [[revolution]]." Deposed by revolution in his home country of Estrovia, [[King]] Igor Shahdov ([[Charlie Chaplin]]) comes to [[New York City]] almost broke, his securities having been stolen by his own [[Prime Minister]]. He tries to contact the [[United States Atomic Energy Commission|Atomic Energy Commission]] with his ideas for using [[Nuclear power|atomic power]] to create a [[utopia]].
Deposed by revolution in his home country of Estrovia, King Igor Shahdov comes to [[New York City]] almost broke, his securities having been stolen by his own prime minister. He tries to contact the [[United States Atomic Energy Commission|Atomic Energy Commission]] with his ideas for using [[Nuclear power|atomic power]] to create a [[utopia]].


At a dinner party, some of which is televised live (unbeknown to him), Shahdov reveals he has had some experience in the theatre. He's approached to do TV commercials but does not like the idea. Later, he does make a few commercials in order to get some money.
At a televised dinner party, Shahdov reveals that he has had some experience in the theatre. He is approached to appear in television commercials but does not like the idea. Later, he does appear in several commercials for the money.


Invited to speak at a [[progressive school]], Shahdov meets Rupert Macabee ([[Michael Chaplin (actor)|Michael Chaplin]]), a ten-year-old historian and editor of the school paper who doesn't want to disclose his political affinity due to fear of McCarthyism. Macabee proceeds to give Shahdov a stern [[Marxist]] lecture. Although Rupert himself says he distrusts all forms of government, his parents are Communists who are jailed for not giving up names at a Joseph McCarthy-type hearing. Because young Rupert had spent time with him, Shahdov is suspected of being a Communist himself, and has to face one of the hearings. He is cleared of all charges, but not before a scene in which Shahdov accidentally directs a strong stream of water from a fire hose at the members of the "[[House Un-American Activities Committee|House Committee on Un-American Activities]]" (HUAC), who scatter in panic. He decides to join his estranged queen in Paris for a reconciliation.
Invited to speak at a [[progressive school]], Shahdov meets Rupert Macabee, a ten-year-old historian and editor of the school paper who does not want to disclose his political affinity, fearing [[McCarthyism]]. Macabee delivers a stern [[Marxist]] lecture to Shahdov. Although Macabee says that he distrusts all forms of government, his parents are communists who are jailed for not disclosing names at a hearing. Because young Rupert had spent time with him, Shahdov is suspected of being a communist himself and must face one of the hearings. He accidentally directs a strong stream of water from a fire hose at the members of the committee, who scatter in panic, but he is cleared of all charges. He decides to join his estranged queen in Paris for a reconciliation.


In the meantime, the authorities force the child to reveal the names of his parents' friends in exchange for his parents' freedom. Grieving and guilt-ridden, Rupert is presented to King Shahdov as a "patriot". Shahdov reassures him that the anti-Communist scare is a lot of nonsense which will be over soon and invites him to come to Europe with his parents for a visit.
The authorities force Macabee to reveal the names of his parents' friends in exchange for his parents' freedom. Grieving and guilt-ridden, Rupert is presented to King Shahdov as a "patriot". Shahdov reassures him that the anticommunist scare will soon pass and invites him to travel to Europe with his parents.

In addition to its condemnation of HUAC's methods, the film takes witty potshots at American [[commercialism]], popular music, [[celebrity culture]], and film. A dinner party scene includes a number of satirical portrayals of actors and public figures of the period, including [[Sophie Tucker]].


==Cast==
==Cast==
Line 45: Line 44:
* [[Dawn Addams]] as Ann Kay - TV Specialist
* [[Dawn Addams]] as Ann Kay - TV Specialist
* [[Sid James]] as Johnson - TV Advertiser (billed as Sidney James)
* [[Sid James]] as Johnson - TV Advertiser (billed as Sidney James)
* Joan Ingram as Mona Cromwell - Hostess
* [[Joan Ingram (actress)|Joan Ingram]] as Mona Cromwell - Hostess
* [[Michael Chaplin (actor)|Michael Chaplin]] as Rupert Macabee
* [[Michael Chaplin (actor)|Michael Chaplin]] as Rupert Macabee
* John McLaren as Macabee Senior
* [[John McLaren (actor)|John McLaren]] as Macabee Senior
* [[Phil Brown (actor)|Phil Brown]] as Headmaster
* [[Phil Brown (actor)|Phil Brown]] as Headmaster
* Harry Green as Lawyer
* [[Harry Green (actor)|Harry Green]] as Lawyer
* [[Robert Arden]] as Liftboy
* [[Robert Arden]] as Liftboy
* [[Alan Gifford]] as School Superintendent
* [[Alan Gifford]] as School Superintendent
* [[Robert Cawdron]] as U.S. Marshal
* [[Robert Cawdron]] as U.S. Marshal
* [[George Woodbridge (actor)|George Woodbridge]], Clifford Buckton, and Vincent Lawson as Members of Atomic Commission
* [[George Woodbridge (actor)|George Woodbridge]] as Clifford Buckton, and Vincent Lawson as Members of Atomic Commission
⚫
* [[Shani Wallis]] as Cabaret Singer
* [[Joy Nichols]]
* [[Joy Nichols]]
⚫
* [[Shani Wallis]] as a nightclub singer
⚫
* Lauri Lupino Lane
⚫
* [[Frazer Hines]]
* George Truzzi
⚫
* [[Lauri Lupino Lane]]
⚫
* [[Frazer Hines]] (uncredited)
* [[José Read]] (uncredited)
* [[George Truzzi]]
* [[Jose Read]]


==Reception==
==Reception==
''A King in New York'' premiered at the [[Odeon Luxe West End|Leicester Square Theatre]] in London on 12 September 1957.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Dixon |first=Campbell |date=1957-12-22 |title=Chaplin 'King' Funny Only in Patches |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |page=10}}</ref>
⚫
The film did well in Europe, but its lack of U.S. distribution severely hampered its commercial impact. The film divides opinion over its merits. ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' called it a "tepid disappointment" and a "half-hearted comedy with sour political undertones" with some "spasmodically funny scenes".<ref name=varrev/> The film ranked 1st on [[Cahiers du Cinéma]]'s [[Cahiers du Cinéma's Annual Top 10 Lists|Top 10 Films of the Year List]] in 1957.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~ejohnson/critics/cahiers.html|title=Cahiers du Cinema: Top Ten Lists 1951-2009|last=Johnson|first=Eric C.|website=alumnus.caltech.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-12-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327102838/http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~ejohnson/critics/cahiers.html|archive-date=2012-03-27|url-status=dead}}</ref> The film has a "fresh" rating of 80% on the [[review aggregator]] website [[Rotten Tomatoes]], based on 10 reviews.<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes">{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/king_in_new_york/|title=A King in New York|date=1 January 1957|work=rottentomatoes.com|access-date=14 March 2016}}</ref>


In a contemporary review for ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', critic [[Campbell Dixon]] wrote of Chaplin: "Perhaps he has been overambitious. No matter how great and varied his gifts, it is too much to expect that one man shall shine steadily as producer, director, writer, composer and star. A brilliant writer, and two or three gag men as fertile as Mr. Chaplin used to be, would have made all the difference." Dixon also derided the film's message that Americans' legitimate concern about the dangers of communism was a form of hysteria.<ref name=":0" />
⚫
Chaplin biographer [[Jeffrey Vance]], writing in 2003, believes ''A King in New York'' to be an important film within Chaplin's body of work. He concludes his lengthy examination of the film with the statement, "Although ''A King in New York'' targets the social and political climate of the 1950s, its satiric commentary is timeless. Despite its flaws, the film remains a fascinating study of life in America through the eyes of its most famous exile".<ref>Vance, Jeffrey. ''Chaplin: Genius of the Cinema'' (2003): Harry N. Abrams, p. 329. {{ISBN|0-8109-4532-0}}</ref>


⚫
The film fared well in Europe, but its lack of American distribution severely hampered its commercial impact. The film divides opinion over its merits. ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' called it a "tepid disappointment" and a "half-hearted comedy with sour political undertones" with some "spasmodically funny scenes."<ref name="varrev" /> The film ranked at the top of [[Cahiers du Cinéma]]'s [[Cahiers du Cinéma's Annual Top 10 Lists|Top 10 Films of the Year List]] in 1957.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~ejohnson/critics/cahiers.html|title=Cahiers du Cinema: Top Ten Lists 1951-2009|last=Johnson|first=Eric C.|website=alumnus.caltech.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-12-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327102838/http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~ejohnson/critics/cahiers.html|archive-date=2012-03-27|url-status=dead}}</ref> The film has a "fresh" rating of 80% on the [[review aggregator]] website [[Rotten Tomatoes]], based on 10 reviews.<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes">{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/king_in_new_york/|title=A King in New York|date=1 January 1957|work=rottentomatoes.com|access-date=14 March 2016}}</ref>
⚫
The film was eventually released in the United States in March 1972, opening at the Little Art theatre in [[Yellow Springs, Ohio]].<ref name=opening/> It was then shown at [[UCLA]] in November 1973<ref name=opening>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|title=On 'First' Claims, It's Always a Loss|date=January 2, 1974|page=21|last=Macklin|first=F Anthony}}</ref> and then opened at the Playboy theatre in New York on December 19, 1973.<ref name=varrev>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|title=Film reviews: A King in New York|date=December 12, 1973|page=18}}</ref>

⚫
Chaplin biographer [[Jeffrey Vance]] believes ''A King in New York'' to be an important film within Chaplin's body of work. He wrote: "Although ''A King in New York'' targets the social and political climate of the 1950s, its satiric commentary is timeless. Despite its flaws, the film remains a fascinating study of life in America through the eyes of its most famous exile."<ref>Vance, Jeffrey. ''Chaplin: Genius of the Cinema'' (2003): Harry N. Abrams, p. 329. {{ISBN|0-8109-4532-0}}</ref>

⚫
The film was released in the United States in March 1972, opening at the Little Art theatre in [[Yellow Springs, Ohio]].<ref name="opening" /> It was shown at [[UCLA]] in November 1973<ref name="opening">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|title=On 'First' Claims, It's Always a Loss|date=January 2, 1974|page=21|last=Macklin|first=F Anthony}}</ref> and then opened at the Playboy Theater in New York on 21 December 21 1973.<ref name="varrev">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|title=Film reviews: A King in New York|date=December 12, 1973|page=18}}</ref>

Upon the film's New York release, critic [[Nora Sayre]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote: "Despite Chaplin's denials, this is a very bitter film—why should it be otherwise? We can applaud his anger, and it's easier than ever to sympathize with characters grown cautious about what they say over the phone, who worry that their rooms are bugged or sense that they're about to be subpoenaed. However, the great man botched his own political arguments, and this movie sags below the rest of his work."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sayre |first=Nora |date=1973-12-22 |title=Film: 'A King in New York' at Last |work=[[The New York Times]] |page=11}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite web |last=Addams |first=Dawn |author-link=Dawn Addams |last2=Lane |first2=John Francis |author2-link=John Francis Lane |others=Introduction and Afterword by James Pepper |website=James Pepper Rare Books, Inc. |title=Dawn Addams - My Life As Chaplin's Leading Lady - Filming Charles Chaplin's A King In New York |year=2024 |url=https://www.jamespepperbooks.com/product/1029991/Dawn-Addams--My-Life-As-Chaplins-Leading-Lady--Filming-Charles-Chaplins-A-King-In-New-York--By-John-Francis-Lane-Introduction-and-Afterword-by-James-Pepper |access-date=2024-09-22}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{IMDb title|id=0050598|title=A King in New York}}
* {{IMDb title|0050598}}
* {{amg movie|27425}}
* {{AllMovie title|27425}}
* {{tcmdb title|id=80317}}


{{Charlie Chaplin filmography}}
{{Charlie Chaplin filmography}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:King In New York, A}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:King In New York}}
[[Category:1957 films]]
[[Category:1957 films]]
[[Category:1957 comedy films]]
[[Category:1957 comedy films]]

Latest revision as of 02:43, 3 October 2024

For the 1990 film, see King of New York.

A King in New York
Theatrical release poster
Directed byCharlie Chaplin
Written byCharlie Chaplin
Produced byCharlie Chaplin
Starring
CinematographyGeorges Périnal
Edited byJohn Seabourne
Music byCharlie Chaplin
Production
company
Attica Film Company
Distributed byArchway Film Distributors (UK)
Classic Entertainment (US)
Release dates
  • 12 September 1957 (1957-09-12) (UK)
  • 8 March 1972 (1972-03-08) (US)
Running time
  • 120+ minutes (1957 UK première version)
  • 110 minutes (1957 general theatrical release version)
  • 105 minutes (1972 US première version)
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

A King in New York is a 1957 British comedy film directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin in his last leading role. The film presents a satirical view of certain aspects of American politics and society. It was produced in Europe after Chaplin's exile from the U.S. in 1952 and did not open in the United States until 1972.

Plot

[edit]

Deposed by revolution in his home country of Estrovia, King Igor Shahdov comes to New York City almost broke, his securities having been stolen by his own prime minister. He tries to contact the Atomic Energy Commission with his ideas for using atomic power to create a utopia.

At a televised dinner party, Shahdov reveals that he has had some experience in the theatre. He is approached to appear in television commercials but does not like the idea. Later, he does appear in several commercials for the money.

Invited to speak at a progressive school, Shahdov meets Rupert Macabee, a ten-year-old historian and editor of the school paper who does not want to disclose his political affinity, fearing McCarthyism. Macabee delivers a stern Marxist lecture to Shahdov. Although Macabee says that he distrusts all forms of government, his parents are communists who are jailed for not disclosing names at a hearing. Because young Rupert had spent time with him, Shahdov is suspected of being a communist himself and must face one of the hearings. He accidentally directs a strong stream of water from a fire hose at the members of the committee, who scatter in panic, but he is cleared of all charges. He decides to join his estranged queen in Paris for a reconciliation.

The authorities force Macabee to reveal the names of his parents' friends in exchange for his parents' freedom. Grieving and guilt-ridden, Rupert is presented to King Shahdov as a "patriot". Shahdov reassures him that the anticommunist scare will soon pass and invites him to travel to Europe with his parents.

Cast

[edit]

Reception

[edit]

A King in New York premiered at the Leicester Square Theatre in London on 12 September 1957.[1]

In a contemporary review for The Daily Telegraph, critic Campbell Dixon wrote of Chaplin: "Perhaps he has been overambitious. No matter how great and varied his gifts, it is too much to expect that one man shall shine steadily as producer, director, writer, composer and star. A brilliant writer, and two or three gag men as fertile as Mr. Chaplin used to be, would have made all the difference." Dixon also derided the film's message that Americans' legitimate concern about the dangers of communism was a form of hysteria.[1]

The film fared well in Europe, but its lack of American distribution severely hampered its commercial impact. The film divides opinion over its merits. Variety called it a "tepid disappointment" and a "half-hearted comedy with sour political undertones" with some "spasmodically funny scenes."[2] The film ranked at the top of Cahiers du Cinéma's Top 10 Films of the Year List in 1957.[3] The film has a "fresh" rating of 80% on the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, based on 10 reviews.[4]

Chaplin biographer Jeffrey Vance believes A King in New York to be an important film within Chaplin's body of work. He wrote: "Although A King in New York targets the social and political climate of the 1950s, its satiric commentary is timeless. Despite its flaws, the film remains a fascinating study of life in America through the eyes of its most famous exile."[5]

The film was released in the United States in March 1972, opening at the Little Art theatre in Yellow Springs, Ohio.[6] It was shown at UCLA in November 1973[6] and then opened at the Playboy Theater in New York on 21 December 21 1973.[2]

Upon the film's New York release, critic Nora Sayre of The New York Times wrote: "Despite Chaplin's denials, this is a very bitter film—why should it be otherwise? We can applaud his anger, and it's easier than ever to sympathize with characters grown cautious about what they say over the phone, who worry that their rooms are bugged or sense that they're about to be subpoenaed. However, the great man botched his own political arguments, and this movie sags below the rest of his work."[7]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Dixon, Campbell (22 December 1957). "Chaplin 'King' Funny Only in Patches". The Daily Telegraph. p. 10.
  2. ^ a b "Film reviews: A King in New York". Variety. 12 December 1973. p. 18.
  3. ^ Johnson, Eric C. "Cahiers du Cinema: Top Ten Lists 1951-2009". alumnus.caltech.edu. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  4. ^ "A King in New York". rottentomatoes.com. 1 January 1957. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  5. ^ Vance, Jeffrey. Chaplin: Genius of the Cinema (2003): Harry N. Abrams, p. 329. ISBN 0-8109-4532-0
  6. ^ a b Macklin, F Anthony (2 January 1974). "On 'First' Claims, It's Always a Loss". Variety. p. 21.
  7. ^ Sayre, Nora (22 December 1973). "Film: 'A King in New York' at Last". The New York Times. p. 11.

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
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